Catherine studied Fine Arts at Adelaide College of The Arts from 1973-1976. She then taught art in South Australia until 1983.
From 1984 to 1986, she studied Theatrical Makeup and Special Effects. She worked as a freelance makeup artist in the film and television industry for 16 years while continuing throughout the years with painting.
Catherine also worked for 8 years as a full-time artist (painter) and has won several awards for her figurative and still-life paintings. She has exhibited extensively over the past 30 years.
Catherine’s makeup career spans over 30 years. She started in television with Channel 7’s Sons and Daughters and A Country Practice, followed by numerous television dramas, news, and current affairs, resulting in a 15-year television career. She has also worked as a makeup artist in film, fashion, commercials, photography, body painting, and Special Effects. Her background in fine arts gives her an edge when it comes to technique, colour, and design in makeup.
Catherine has taught art, makeup, and special effects extensively over the past 30 years. This includes teaching art and makeup at the renowned “Art & Technology of Makeup College”, of which she was later appointed college registrar.
Catherine is currently one of the senior trainers and assessors in the Diploma of Screen and Media Makeup at the National Institute of Dramatic Art and continues to paint and exhibit her art work.
Catherine’s main focus now is to pass on her extensive knowledge gained over the past 35 years of working in the makeup industry and is looking forward to interacting with and inspiring the next generation of makeup artists.
See some of Cathy’s makeup artistry work here.
I have worked as a professional artist (painter), makeup artist, and educator for over 48 years.
I started my career as an artist/art educator. After 8 years of teaching art, I enrolled in and completed a Diploma of Theatrical makeup. Shortly after completing my course, I started a job in the television industry as a makeup artist on an Australian drama series, “Sons and Daughters". It was there that I learned all about the television industry and continued to work on television shows for the next 16 years. My career in makeup also included bridal, fashion, commercials, film, and Special Effects.
I started my career as a teacher and I continued teaching in various forms whilst freelancing as a makeup artist.
Late, after a makeup career spanning over 20 years, I was offered several full-time teaching positions over the next 15 years. Teaching became my passion, and I felt compelled to pass on my knowledge and skills to the next generation of makeup artists.
Makeup artists are required to have technical skills in colour theory, skin analysis, blending, and being able to master trends.
They should also have interpersonal skills, including good communication, empathy, and professionalism.
An understanding of good business practices such as time management, marketing, and hygiene and be creative and innovative.
I enjoyed working on Television series such as "A Country Practice" and "Sons and Daughters". Another highlight was working on several Pinchgut Opera productions.
My philosophy of teaching makeup artistry is centred on empowering individuality and helping students celebrate unique features of their clients rather than masking them. I emphasize building a strong foundation in techniques like skin preparation, colour theory, and blending, as these are the pillars of creative freedom.
I encourage exploration and adaptability, allowing students to experiment with diverse styles, cultural influences, and emerging trends. Inclusivity is at the heart of my teaching—I ensure students are equipped to work with all skin tones, types, and ages, fostering a more equitable industry.
Professionalism is another key component of my approach. I guide students in mastering time management, hygiene, and client communication, ensuring they are as reliable as they are skilled.
Above all, I strive to foster confidence and self-expression, helping each student find their unique artistic voice. Finally, I instill a commitment to lifelong learning, preparing students to thrive in the ever-evolving beauty industry.
Being an artist, I focus on colour theory, the correct use of highlight and shading and the principles of design in makeup
I draw inspiration from other makeup artists, artists, designers, and fashion.
Val Garland, Pat McGrath, Vee Neill, Dick Smith, Rick Baker and Alex Box
Passing on my knowledge and experience in makeup artistry and watching students progress and improve and most importantly, enjoy themselves in the process of learning
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